Javier Mascherano is unsure if former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi will eventually play in Argentina.

Messi has spoken about winding down his career at hometown club Newell's Old Boys.

But Mascherano, who has just hung up the boots at Estudiantes, told TyC Sports: "Leo has always shown his desire to play in Argentine football.

"But we will have to see if the conditions are met. He is a very intelligent boy and when it comes to choosing, there will be no shortage of offers. It's hard to put yourself in his shoes because he's on another level. These are personal decisions.

"In this context, it's not just sport, there are other factors that come into play such as family."